June 28th, marks the anniversary of the Riots at the Stonewall Inn which shaped the modern LGBTQ+ Rights movement as we know it. Even as Pride events across the country bring people together in celebration, we’re witnessing a direct attack on the autonomy and validity of LGBTQ+ people from the highest levels of government. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court vs Skrmetti decision affirmed the state of Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for trans minors - which sets a precedent throughout that State and across the Nation that looks grim for Trans healthcare.

Many healthcare organizations which derive funding from Federal sources - including many right here in Chico - are being affected by this trend, and Trans-competent clinics, programs, and medical providers are being forced to stop, change, or alter their service.

But know this: those doctors, healthcare staff and administrators have not stopped caring about Trans people. Stonewall Chico is in regular conversation with providers in this situation (and people in many other fields) who are fighting, working, resisting - looking tirelessly for ways to keep getting necessary care to our Trans community. We will continue to stay involved in national, state, and local meetings and groups to bring our community the most accurate information, referrals, and resources - and those resources do exist.

The most important message that we and those fighting for Trans care can impart to our community right now is: don’t give up. Do not obey in advance. You deserve safety, dignity and competent care, and there are a lot of people fighting for your right to it.

You are not alone, and together we will keep pushing, organizing, and showing up for one another as generations before us have done. This is the very legacy of the Stonewall Uprising: one of resistance and persistence in the face of state-sanctioned injustice. We’ve overcome before and we will overcome again.